FANTASY FOOTBALL IN-SEASON FEATURES

This early injury report will provide in-depth injury information on key fantasy players that suffered injuries in the previous weekend's games. All player injuries will be tracked during the week via our Injury & Practice Reports which are published on Wednesdays through Fridays. Be sure you check out our Priority News often during the week as all breaking player news will be posted there.

QUARTERBACKS

Jay Cutler, CHI – Concussion

Bears’ QB Jay Cutler was sacked nine times in the first half on Sunday night and according to reports the final sack resulted in a concussion that knocked him out for the remainder of the game. Cutler was apparently injured when he was hit by Aaron Ross with about a minute left in the second quarter. He didn’t appear to be seriously hurt as he walked to the locker room at halftime. However he did have symptoms of a mild concussion and the NFL’s concussion policy prohibits players from returning to game action on the same day a concussion occurs. As expected he had a bit of a headache on Monday morning, but the concussion is not serious and team officials expect to be cleared for their Week 5 game. Backup QB Todd Collins, who replaced Cutler, suffered a stinger in the second half but the injury is not serious and he should be OK.

Bruce Gradkowski, OAK – Shoulder Contusion

Raiders’ QB Bruce Gradkowski, who suffered a right shoulder contusion during Sunday’s game, told reporters on Monday that he was feeling fine and team officials expect him to start in Week 5. Gradkowski was hit hard by Texans’ safety Bernard Bollard on a third quarter scramble. He walked off the field under his own power, however it looked like he was favoring his right (throwing) shoulder and he was escorted to the locker room. He quickly returned to the sideline and he was back on the field for the next offensive series. The injury is not serious and it should affect his status this upcoming weekend.

It appears that Eagles’ QB Michael Vick avoided serious injury, however he has been diagnosed with torn rib cartilage and his status for Week 5 remains in doubt. Vick injured his chest and shoulder when he was tackled by two Redskin defenders at the end of a 24-yard run in the first half. He appeared to be in a lot of pain and discomfort as he left the field and there was speculation after the game that he suffered fractures to his clavicle and ribs. However X-rays in the locker room were reportedly negative. Additional testing on Monday morning revealed that the cartilage between several ribs was torn, but the team has not released information regarding his shoulder injury. Head coach Andy Reid does not expect Vick to practice this week and it looks like the team will have to go with Kevin Kolb as their starting QB in Week 5.

RUNNING BACKS

Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG – Sprained Ankle

Giants’ RB Ahmad Bradshaw had a big game against the Bears rushing for 129 yards and a touchdown despite playing most of the second half with an ankle sprain. According to reports Bradshaw injured his ankle on a carry early in the third quarter and he was in and out of the lineup the remainder of the game. Head coach Tom Coughlin told reporters on Monday that Bradshaw suffered a “little ankle” sprain and that the team was still waiting on the results of an MRI confirming the nature and severity of the injury. Bradshaw was reportedly walking with a limp after the game and again on Monday morning and there is a good chance that the injury will limit his participation in practice this week.

Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX – Mild Ankle Sprain

Jaguars’ RB Maurice Jones-Drew sprained his ankle early on Sunday and aggravated the injury on several occasions throughout the game. However he stayed in the game and he finished the day with over 100 yards rushing and a touchdown. MJD admitted that he sprained his ankle, but he called it a “light sprain” and he said that he would be ready to play in Week 5. He appeared to be moving around on Monday without a problem, so it looks like he is going to be OK. He might be limited in practice this week as a precaution, but expect him to be active against the Bills.

LeSean McCoy, PHI – Fractured Rib

Eagles’ head coach Andy Reid told reporters on Monday that X-rays on RB LeSean McCoy’s chest revealed a fractured rib and according to reports the team does not expect him to play in Week 5. McCoy appeared to hurt his knee on a carry in the first half, but he walked it off and continued playing. It isn’t clear how McCoy injured his rib and Reid did not say how long he would be out. There are reports that the Eagles have looked into trading for Bills’ RB Marshawn Lynch. Mike Bell is next on the depth chart and he would get the start in McCoy’s place. However the team is thin at the RB position and they are looking to add needed depth behind Bell.

Darren McFadden, OAK – Strained Hamstring

Raiders’ RB Darren McFadden left Sunday’s game with a right hamstring strain and his status for Week 5 is questionable. McFadden pulled his hamstring at the end of a run in the fourth quarter and he did not finish the game. According to reports McFadden was seen limping around the locker room after the game and he was spotted walking gingerly on Monday. He told reporters that he was “feeling alright,” however his leg was reportedly stiff and he spent a lot of time in the training room getting stretched and receiving treatment. McFadden missed time in the pre-season with a strained left hamstring, but he does have a history of hamstring problems in both legs. He’ll likely miss practice this week and even if he remains questionable on the official injury report don’t expect him to play.

Clinton Portis, WAS – Strained Groin

The Redskins’ medical staff is concerned that RB Clinton Portis tore his left groin muscle, which if confirmed by the Monday MRI could keep him out for an extended period of time. Portis told reporters that he felt a pop in his groin on a carry in the third quarter. He hobbled off the field and was stretched by team trainers on the sideline. Portis returned in the fourth quarter, unfortunately he aggravated the injury and he had to be taken to the locker room for treatment. According to reports Portis was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday. As of Monday evening head coach Mike Shanahan said that the team was still waiting on the results of the MRI. We’ll likely know more about his status sometime today or tomorrow, but don’t expect him to be active in Week 5.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Justin Gage, TEN – Strained Hamstring

Justin Gage’s status for Week 5 appears to be in doubt after the Titan wide receiver missed the second half of Sunday’s game with a strained hamstring. Head coach Jeff Fisher told reporters on Monday that he expected Gage to “miss some time” while he recovers. He hasn’t been ruled out for the game against the Cowboys, however team officials don’t expect him to practice this week. He’ll likely be a game-time decision and even if he does play he won’t be 100%.

Jacoby Jones, HOU – Strained Calf

Texans’ WR Jacoby Jones strained his calf on Sunday against the Raiders and his status for Week 5 is unknown. Jones appeared to pull his calf when he slipped while running a route. He limped off the field and did not finish the game. Head coach Gary Kubiak called Jones’ injury a “slight” calf strain, but he did not say if he would practice on Wednesday or be ready in time for the team’s next game. Check back later in the week for an update.

Jordan Shipley, CIN – Concussion

According to reports Bengals’ rookie WR Jordan Shipley is being considered doubtful for Week 5 by team officials after leaving Sunday’s game with a concussion. Shipley was injured when he took a shot to the head after dropping a pass in the fourth quarter. The concussion is not considered serious, however he is also dealing with a shoulder injury and it looks like the combination of ailments will keep him out of the team’s next game.

Steve Smith, CAR – High Ankle Sprain

Panthers’ WR Steve Smith will miss at least one week after suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s game. Smith, who was hurt when he was tackled at the end of a short reception in the third quarter, stayed down for several minutes before being helped up and escorted off the field. He was limping badly on the sideline and he was eventually carted to the locker room where he was examined. X-rays were reportedly negative, however he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and he was seen leaving the stadium with a walking boot on his foot. Smith underwent an MRI on Monday morning and according to reports it confirmed that he has a high ankle sprain. The severity of the sprain has not been made public, but team officials don’t expect him to practice this week or play against the Bears.

INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS

Derrick Morgan, DL – Torn ACL

Titans’ DL Derrick Morgan will miss the remainder of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee on Sunday. Morgan was hurt when he was tripped in the second quarter. He stayed on the ground for a couple of minutes while being examined but he actually jogged off the field and he appeared to be OK while standing on the sideline. Unfortunately a preliminary assessment revealed and a follow up MRI confirmed that he tore his ACL. He is scheduled to undergo reconstructive surgery as soon as the swelling subsides.

Tracy Porter, DB, NO – Torn MCL

Saints’ DB Tracy Porter will miss the next 3 – 4 weeks after partially tearing the medial collateral ligament in his knee. According to reports Porter will not need surgery but the team does not expect him back until at least Week 7.

Asante Samuel, DB, PHI – Concussion

Eagles’ DB Asante Samuel was knocked out of Sunday’s game with a concussion, however the injury is considered mild and head coach Andy Reid is optimistic about his chances of playing against the 49ers in Week 5. Samuel was injured when he took a knee to the helmet while trying to make a tackle. He’ll be limited in practice this week, but it looks like he will be healthy enough to play this upcoming weekend.